Financial Aid Specialist II

About the Role

Serve as the primary financial aid representative at the University campus or City College campus. This position requires exemplary customer service skills, a willingness to listen carefully, strong written and verbal communication abilities, and the capacity to understand complex institutional processes (financial aid, admissions, and advising). The role involves working well under pressure while supporting prospective and continuing students by reviewing and evaluating financial aid eligibility, delivering accurate information and services, and ensuring quality control, application tracking, and verification of student files.

Act as a liaison between the financial aid office and other campus partners, maintaining working relationships with students, staff, and faculty. This role may also provide financial literacy services to educate students and the campus community about healthy financial practices, student loan debt management, repayment options, and cohort default rates.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the administration of assigned financial aid programs and processes.
• Post awards to student accounts, track awards for accuracy, and correct over-award status when needed.
• Review documentation for accuracy and contact students to obtain corrections or additional documentation.
• Maintain a strong understanding of program regulations and the overall operation of the Financial Aid Office to ensure compliance with federal and state rules.
• Notify students of their failure to meet academic progress and the impact on financial aid eligibility.
• Analyze client requests to determine the appropriate forms, applications, or documentation based on students' circumstances.
• Assist the supervisor in gathering data for required reports.
• Perform other site- and position-specific responsibilities as assigned.
• Participate in University campus and City College events such as orientation, new student registration, and occasional evening hours.
• Review all applications, forms, and documents for accuracy, completion, and compliance with federal, state, and institutional guidelines; refer specialized questions to appropriate staff.
• Track student, staff, or faculty requests and prepare written correspondence, including packets of material.
• Generate emails, letters, or notifications to students regarding missing information, awards, revisions, or Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
• Provide financial aid and literacy counseling in person, by phone, and via email for students, parents, and campus departments.
• Perform data entry within the Banner system.
• Collaborate closely with other Financial Aid staff, Enrollment Management teams, and faculty.

Qualifications

• Strong commitment to student success with excellent customer service and active listening skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with students, parents, faculty, staff, and community partners.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and prioritization skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent verbal, written, and group presentation skills.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid policies, regulations, and packaging principles.
• Thorough understanding of financial aid eligibility, verification requirements, and FERPA regulations.
• Ability to accurately analyze and interpret data within Banner and related university systems.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data entry, calculations, and document review.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Outlook, internet resources, and other technology tools.
• Knowledge of personal finance topics, including budgeting, borrowing, debt management, and repayment.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment.
• Familiarity with university programs, services, and community resources, with the ability to make appropriate referrals.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and respectfully with diverse populations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or a related discipline, or any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or a related field.
• One to three years of financial aid office experience.